Order 349505: Writer′s choice
tutorthammy
questionsabouttheexampleessay.docx1. Read the first paragraph. Stop. Does the introduction draw you in? Are you interested in the topic? Is there a clear thesis statement stating the writer's position on the topic? Do you know what the writer wants to do? Write the thesis statement down if possible; note if you can't find it or are confused about it.
2. Look at the paper paragraph by paragraph. Does the writer stick to one point per paragraph? Make a list of the paragraphs in the paper and write down the main point of each one (include the list in the letter). Indicate to the writer where this is difficult because the point of the paragraph is unclear or because several points are mixed together in a paragraph. Is each paragraph a cohesive whole? Are transitions between paragraphs clear?
3. Does the writer try to get the reader interested in the topic? If so, how and where? Are you ever confused or put-off? Does the writer exercise appropriate word choice for an academic paper? Are there interesting examples?
4. Read through the paper again with a pen or pencil in your hand, circling grammatical errors, typos, etc. (Don't correct, just mark errors). Double check to see if sources are cited properly in the paper (in parentheses) and on the works cited page. Mark places that you find wordy, awkward, or unclear. Also, mark places you find especially clear and cogent.
5. Does the writer sound credible? Does the paper make clear that the writer understands the background (history) of this issue? Does the writer understand opposing viewpoints and present them fairly? When the writer uses sources to improve his or her ethos, are they used well and correctly documented? Name specific places where the ethos is good or needs help.
6. Reread the conclusion. Does it sum up the paper? Does it give you something to think about?
